How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cookies: A Decadent and Chewy Treat

Cookies are a universal favorite, but when you combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the sweet, slightly tart burst of cherries, you elevate the humble cookie to something truly extraordinary. These Chocolate Cherry Cookies offer the perfect combination of flavors, with every bite delivering the luscious sweetness of chocolate chips and the bright pop of maraschino cherries. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a bake sale, or simply to satisfy a craving, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they also provide an elegant twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The maraschino cherries add a beautiful red hue, making these cookies as visually stunning as they are delicious. In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making these cookies, along with useful baking tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cherry Cookies

There’s so much to love about these cookies, from the flavor to the texture. Here are a few reasons why they might just become your new favorite treat:

Unique Flavor Combination

The contrast between rich chocolate and sweet cherries creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The cherries’ slight tartness perfectly complements the deep, smooth taste of chocolate.

Easy to Make

This recipe uses simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these cookies without any fuss.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed anytime. They’re great for holiday parties, casual get-togethers, or simply as a snack to keep on hand at home. Plus, kids will love helping to make (and eat!) these sweet treats.

Who Is This Recipe For?

This recipe is for anyone who loves a good chocolate dessert but wants to try something a little different. If you’ve ever craved the combination of chocolate and fruit but wanted something more substantial than a chocolate-covered cherry, these cookies are the perfect solution. They’re also ideal for anyone who enjoys chewy cookies with a slightly crispy edge.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious Chocolate Cherry Cookies:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cookie dough that provides structure.

1/3 cup cocoa powder – Adds the rich chocolate flavor.
1/2 tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise, creating a soft and chewy texture.
1/4 tsp salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Provides moisture and richness, ensuring a tender cookie.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to the slightly crispy edges.
1/2 cup brown sugar – Keeps the cookies chewy and adds depth of sweetness.
1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and aids in rising.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
1 cup chocolate chips – Melts during baking for pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
1/2 cup maraschino cherries (chopped and drained) – Adds bursts of sweet, tart flavor and a pop of color.

Step-by-Step Directions

Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these delicious cookies!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries by hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Press down gently on each dough ball to flatten it slightly. These cookies won’t spread much during baking, so flattening helps ensure an even shape.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still appear soft. Don’t worry—they will firm up as they cool.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

These cookies are best enjoyed warm when the chocolate chips are still melty and gooey. However, they taste just as incredible once cooled and the flavors have melded together. Serve them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate treat.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Drain the cherries well: Ensure that the maraschino cherries are thoroughly drained and patted dry before adding them to the dough. Excess liquid can make the dough too wet, resulting in uneven baking.
Chill the dough if necessary: If the dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to shape.
Don’t overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, be careful not to overbake them. The centers should still look slightly underbaked when you pull them out of the oven—they’ll firm up as they cool.

How to Store Your Chocolate Cherry Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

At room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy during this time.
In the freezer: You can freeze both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be easily modified based on your preferences:

Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Dairy-free option: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil.
Fruit swap: Try using dried cranberries, raspberries, or even fresh pitted cherries instead of maraschino cherries for a different flavor.
Chocolate variation: Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or a combination for a richer flavor profile.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes! Fresh cherries can be used, but be sure to pit and chop them, and drain any excess juice to avoid adding too much moisture to the dough.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free baking blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake the dough straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

4. How long will the cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

5. Can I add other mix-ins like nuts?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and complement the flavors of the chocolate and cherries.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to satisfy. Give this recipe a try and watch these decadent treats disappear in no time!